Circadian Blood Pressure Profile Research Articles

Prognostic value of ambulatory blood pressure measurement in treated hypertensive patients

Cardiovascular risk is directly correlated to the circadian blood pressure profile. The aim of this work was to evaluate the ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) parameters that can predict the occurrence of cardiovascular events over medium term. We conducted a prospective descriptive study of 240 hypertensive patients who were treated and who had had ABPM during their follow-up at the cardiology department of the hospital of the internal security forces of Marsa, with consultations between 2015 and 2016. The mean age of our population was 57.4 ± 9.54 years, with a sex ratio of 1.33. Diabetes was the most common risk factor associated with hypertension (42.1%), followed by obesity (39.2%). This is a high cardiovascular risk population with 61% of patients with 3 or more risk factors and 56.9% with high and very high-risk according to the SCORE score. The MAPA analysis showed that the mean 24-hour SSP was 129.5 ± 14 mmHg and the mean 24-hour MAP was 74.7 ± 9.8 mmHg. Electrical HVG was found in 7.2% of patients. Microalbuminuria was documented in 31.5% of patients and proteinuria in 6.8% of patients. Forty-three cardiovascular events were identified during the 4-year follow-up of our patients with a mean time to onset of 14.5 ± 9 months. In univariate analysis, there was a significant difference between patients with and without a cardiovascular event in terms of age ( P = 0.026), mean SBP both overall ( P = 0.011), diurnal ( P = 0.042) and nocturnal ( P = 0.005), maximum DBP ( P = 0.035) and PP ( P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the independent factors associated with cardiovascular events were mean nocturnal SBP (OR = 1.04; CI = 1.01–1.07; P = 0.001) and maximum DBP (OR = 0.96; CI = 0.92–0.99; P = 0.02). ABPM is an interesting prognostic tool in hypertensive patients, allowing the prediction of long-term cardiovascular events.

Twenty-four hours blood pressure profile in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder

The aim of this study is to determine whether autonomic dysfunction in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) subjects affects circadian blood pressure (BP) profile.

Twenty-four-hour blood pressure profile in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder.

To determine whether autonomic dysfunction in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) affects circadian blood pressure (BP) profile. Twenty-one iRBD (mean age 68.8 ± 6.4, mean age at onset 62.2 ± 9.3), 21 drug-free de novo Parkinson's disease (PD) and 21 control participants (HCs), comparable for age and sex, underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring. A prospective follow-up study was performed to evaluate the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders in the iRBD cohort. In the iRBD group, nighttime systolic BP (SBP) was higher (124.0 ± 20.0, p = .026), nocturnal BP decrease lower (4.0 ± 8.7% for SBP and 8.7 ± 8.0% for diastolic BP [DBP], p = .001), and nondipping status more frequent (71.4% for SBP and 52.4% for DBP; p = .001 and p = .01, respectively) than in the HCs. Reverse dipping of SBP was found in 23.8% (p = .048) of the iRBD participants. Nondipping status was not associated with differences in gender, age, disease duration, age at disease onset, UPDRS score, presence of antihypertensive therapy, or polysomnographic measures. Patients with PD showed daytime and nighttime BP profiles comparable to those observed in iRBD. A subgroup analysis considering only the participants without antihypertensive therapy (12 iRBD, 12 PD) showed results superimposable on those of the whole iRBD and PD groups. Longitudinal follow-up (mean 5.1 ± 1.9 years) showed no differences in BP profile at baseline between converters (n = 6) and nonconverters. Twenty-four-hour BP control was impaired in iRBD. This impairment, similar to patterns observed in de novo PD, consisted of reduced amplitude of nocturnal dipping and increased frequency of nondipping status. These findings could have implications for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in iRBD.

Nocturnal Hypertension and Heart Failure: Mechanisms, Evidence, and New Treatments.

Heart failure (HF) is a common condition with an increasing prevalence. Despite a variety of evidence-based treatments for patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, morbidity and mortality rates remain high. Furthermore, there are currently no treatments that have yet been shown to reduce complication and death rates in patients who have HF with preserved ejection fraction. Hypertension is a common comorbidity in patients with HF, contributing to disease development and prognosis. For example, hypertension is closely associated with the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, which an important precursor of HF. In particular, nighttime blood pressure (BP) appears to be an important, modifiable risk factor. Both nighttime BP and an abnormal circadian pattern of nighttime BP dipping have been shown to predict development of HF and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, independent of office BP. Key mechanisms for this association include sodium handling/salt sensitivity and increased sympathetic activation. These pathogenic mechanisms are targeted by several new treatment options, including sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and renal denervation. All of these could form part of antihypertensive strategies designed to control nighttime BP and contribute to the goal of achieving perfect 24-hour BP management. Nevertheless, additional research is needed to determine the effects of reducing nighttime BP and improving the circadian BP profile on the rate of HF, other cardiovascular events, and mortality.

Circadian blood pressure profile and blood pressure changes following oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) reduces blood pressure (BP) but there is little information on relationship to circadian BP pattern (nocturnal BP dipping or non-dipping). The aims of this study were to determine whether nocturnal dipping pattern influences BP changes following oral appliance therapy, and to determine the effect of oral appliance therapy on circadian BP pattern. Participants in two randomized trials of oral appliance therapy (1-2 months) with 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) data were included (N = 152). Nocturnal BP Dippers (nocturnal/diurnal SBP ratio <0.9) and non-dippers were compared for BP changes following oral appliance therapy and the effect of oral appliance therapy on nocturnal BP dipping was assessed. Of 152 participants, 64.5% were dippers. Dippers were on average younger and less likely to be hypertensive (42 vs. 82.7%, P < 0.001). Nondippers showed greater reduction in nocturnal BP measures, related to higher BP measures at baseline. There was no difference in the relationship between treatment effectiveness and BP changes between groups. Oral appliance therapy converted only 23% of baseline non-dippers to a nocturnal dipping profile. Baseline circadian BP profile influenced the BP response to oral appliance therapy, largely because of higher baseline BP in the non-dipper subgroup. Oral appliance therapy did not convert OSA patients to a more favourable circadian BP profile. Further work is required to understand the effect of oral appliance therapy on circadian BP profile and of the individuals who will receive cardiovascular benefit from oral appliance therapy.

Human Stool Metabolome Differs upon 24 h Blood Pressure Levels and Blood Pressure Dipping Status: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.

Dysbiosis of gut microbiota (GM) has been involved in the pathophysiology of arterial hypertension (HT), via a putative role of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Its role in the circadian regulation of blood pressure (BP), also called “the dipping profile”, has been poorly investigated. Sixteen male volunteers and 10 female partners were subjected to 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring and were categorized in normotensive (NT) versus HT, as well as in dippers versus non-dippers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics was performed on stool samples. A 5-year comparative follow-up of BP profiles and stool metabolomes was done in men. Significant correlations between stool metabolome and 24 h mean BP levels were found in both male and female cohorts and in the entire cohort (R2 = 0.72, R2 = 0.79, and R2 = 0.45, respectively). Multivariate analysis discriminated dippers versus non-dippers in both male and female cohorts and in the entire cohort (Q2 = 0.87, Q2 = 0.98, and Q2 = 0.68, respectively). Fecal amounts of acetate, propionate, and butyrate were higher in HT versus NT patients (p = 0.027; p = 0.015 and p = 0.015, respectively), as well as in non-dippers versus dippers (p = 0.027, p = 0.038, and p = 0.036, respectively) in the entire cohort. SCFA levels were significantly different in patients changing of dipping status over the 5-year follow-up. In conclusion, stool metabolome changes upon global and circadian BP profiles in both genders.

Salt sensitivity and timed drug therapy in arterial hypertension. Enhancing antihypertensive drug efficacy: a controlled randomised trial

Background. An elevated or inadequate sensitivity to salt intake is an important mechanism for maintaining high blood pressure in patients with arterial hypertension. Chronopharmacotherapy comprises an important approach to control arterial hypertension through personalised correction of blood pressure but requires a further proof of efficacy in salt-sensitive hypertensive patients.Objectives. An assessment of six-month dynamics of diurnal and nocturnal peripheral and central blood pressure in salt-sensitive patients with arterial hypertension under chronopharmacothe­rapy.Methods. A controlled randomised trial included 86 salt-sensitive patients with arterial hypertension. Salt sensitivity was estimated with a Kharchenko’s test. All patients had circadian monitoring of the peripheral and central blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate at baseline and in a six-month follow-up. The patients were randomised into 3 cohorts. Cohort A united patients received perindopril and amlodipine in morning, cohort B — perindopril in morning, amlodipine in evening, cohort C — perindopril in evening, amlodipine in morning. Statistica 12 (StatSoftInc, USA) was used for nonparametric statistical analyses.Results. In six months of chronopharmacotherapy a target arterial pressure was registered in 87.5% patients in cohort A, 96.4 and 96.2% patients in cohorts B and C, respectively. All cohorts exhibited a declining peripheral and central blood pressure over therapy. Cohort A had a greater decline in daytime, and cohorts B and C — both diurnally and nocturnally. Cohorts B and C had more patients with an adequate nocturnal blood pressure decline. Glomerular filtration rate also elevated with perindopril or amlodipine intake before bedtime.Conclusion. The perindopril or amlodipine intake before bedtime in a combined therapy for arterial hypertension provided for a target blood pressure in the overall majority of patients, effectively reduced peripheral and central blood pressure at all time intervals, contributed to optimising the circadian blood pressure profile and increased the glomerular filtration rate.

Blood pressure monitoring in kidney transplantation: a systematic review on hypertension and target organ damage.

Sparse studies show that ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is superior to office BP (oBP) measurements to predict target organ damage and cardiovascular (CV) events in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We performed a systematic review aimed at determining the potential associations between BP recordings by different methods and renal and CV outcomes in this population. Major medical databases were searched for studies enrolling adult KTRs undergoing 24h ABPM compared to office or home BP measurements. Main outcomes were: associations between different BP recordings and renal and CV outcomes. Additionally, any association between the circadian BP pattern (dipping/non-dipping status) and outcomes was assessed. Twenty-two studies (2078 participants) were reviewed. Amongst 12 studies collecting data on renal endpoints, ten studies found that BP assessed by ABPM was a stronger predictor of renal function decline, assessed by serum creatinine (SCr) and/or creatinine clearance (CrCl) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), than traditional office measurements. Twelve studies analyzed the relation between different BP recordings and CV target organ damages and reported robust correlations between echocardiographic abnormalities [i.e. left ventricular mass index (LVM/LVMI)] and 24h ABPM, but not with office BPs. Furthermore, 24h ABPM correlated better than oBP with markers of vascular damage, such as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), diffuse thickening, and endothelial dysfunction. Additionally, abnormal circadian BP pattern (non-dippers and reverse dippers) identified a group of kidney recipients at risk for kidney function loss and CV abnormalities. In our systematic review, ABPM reflected target organ damage more closely than oBP in KTRs. Furthermore, altered circadian BP profile associated with renal and CV target organ damages.

Analysis of inflammatory markers in patients with abnormal circadian rhythm of blood pressure

IntroductionInflammatory status could play a role in alterations of blood pressure (BP) circadian rhythm. The aim of our study is to compare levels of usual inflammatory markers in patients with and without circadian BP abnormalities.Material and methodsThis is a cross-sectional design study with retrospective data analysis which included patients from an Internal Medicine Department with normal and high BP levels older than 18 years who were separated into two groups according to the circadian profile of BP (dipper and non-dipper) based on the results of 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Patients were assessed for demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors. We considered as inflammatory markers the platelet count (PTC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein, ferritin, fibrinogen, and uric acid.ResultsThe study included 551 patients (mean age of 54 years, 47% women). The non-dipper group had a higher percentage of individuals with higher ESR (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.23–1.55, p = 0.001), uric acid (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.04–2.16, p = 0.028) and fibrinogen (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.18–2.51, p = 0.001) and a higher percentage of patients with higher PTC (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37–0.78, p = 0.005). These results were independent of age, waist circumference, presence of arterial hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipidemia, and use of antihypertensive drugs including renin angiotensin aldosterone system blockers.ConclusionsPatients with impaired circadian BP rhythm were associated with an unfavorable inflammatory status independently of BP levels. This fact could play a role in the prognostic differences observed between dipper and non-dipper patients.

Timed physical exercise does not influence circadian rhythms and glucose tolerance in rotating night shift workers: The EuRhythDia study

Objectives:Night shift workers are at cardiometabolic risk due to circadian misalignment. We investigated whether infrequent exercise before each night shift that intentionally would not improve physical performance improves glucose tolerance and 24-h blood pressure profiles and synchronizes circadian rhythms of melatonin and cortisol in rotating night shift workers.Methods:A total of 24 rotating night shift workers (mean age, 35.7 ± 11.8 years) were randomized to exercise or no intervention. Workers in the exercise group performed 15.2 ± 4.5 exercise sessions within 2 h before each night shift. Before and after 12 weeks of exercise intervention and 12 weeks after the intervention, spiroergometry, oral glucose tolerance testing and 24-h blood pressure profiles were performed. Plasma melatonin and cortisol levels were measured in 3-hourly intervals during one 24-h period on each study day.Results:Exercise did not significantly change serum glucose nor insulin levels during oral glucose tolerance testing. Timed physical exercise had no effect on physical performance, nor did it change the circadian rhythms of melatonin and cortisol or influence 24-h blood pressure profiles.Conclusion:Physical exercise before each night shift at a low intensity level that does not improve physical performance does not affect circadian timing, glucose tolerance or 24-h blood pressure profiles in rotating night shift workers.

Impact of different dipping patterns on left atrial function in hypertension.

We aimed to investigate left atrial phasic function in the recently diagnosed hypertensive patients and determine association between circadian blood pressure (BP) patterns and left atrial function. The present study involved 256 untreated hypertensive patients who underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and comprehensive echocardiographic examination. All patients were divided into four groups according to the percentage of nocturnal BP drop (dippers, extreme dippers, nondippers and reverse dippers). There was no significant difference in daytime BPs between the observed groups, whereas night-time BPs significantly and gradually increased from extreme dippers and dippers, across nondippers, to reverse dippers. Total, passive and active left atrial emptying fractions that correspond with left atrial reservoir, conduit and contractile function were lower in nondippers and reverse dippers than in dippers and extreme dippers. Reservoir and contractile left atrial strains were lower in reverse dippers than in dippers and extreme dippers, whereas conduit left atrial strain was lower in reverse dippers in comparison with extreme dippers. Nondipping and reverse dipping BP patterns were, independently of age, sex, nocturnal BPs, left ventricular mass index, E/e', associated with reduced reservoir function. Nevertheless, only reverse dipping profile was independently of other circadian BP profiles, nocturnal BP, demographic and echocardiographic parameters related with reduced conduit and contractile functions. Nondipping and reverse dipping BP patterns were related with impaired left atrial phasic function. However, reverse pattern was the only circadian profile that was independently of other clinical parameters, including night-time BP, associated with decreased reservoir, conduit and contractile function.

The correlation of blood pressure changes and cardiac morpho- functional restructuring in young athletes

A steady increase in the number of young sportsmen predetermines the relevance of studying the nature and severity of cardiovascular system remodeling in young athletes, including the development of arterial hypertension (AH) and left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy (LVHM).Objective. To study the prevalence and nature of arterial hypertension (AH) and its associations with signs of cardiovascular remodeling in young athletes taking into account pathogenetic relationship and genetic determination.Characteristics of children and methods. The study included 80 young athletes (including 42 boys, average age 14,5±1,54 years), divided into 4 groups depending on the kind of sports (1 – cyclic, 2 – game, 3 – complex coordination, 4 – power). We used the following research methods: “office” (i.e. during visit to the doctor) measurement of blood pressure, electrocardiography, echocardiography, color Doppler scanning of the neck vessels, daily monitoring of blood pressure, bicycle ergometry, genetic testing using the original panel with 448 markers.Results. An increase in blood pressure at rest was detected in 2,5% of children engaged in power sports, an insufficient decrease at night – in 16,3% of children, and an excessive reaction of blood pressure to dosed physical activity – in 25% of children. These changes correlated with signs of sports remodeling, in particular with the formation of left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, which was diagnosed in 7–12,5% of athletes. According to the results of genetic testing, pronounced polymorphism in the NO synthase gene at three loci (rs10918594, rs12143842, rs16847548) was associated with a reorganization of the cardiovascular system in 45% of athletes.Conclusion. Violation of the circadian profile of blood pressure and excessive reaction to physical activity demonstrate 7,5–25% of young athletes, especially those involved in complex coordination and power sports. These changes were associated with the severity of sports remodeling and determined by a genetic predisposition.

Predictors of increased blood pressure in women after induction of superovulation for extracorporeal fertilization

Objective is to study the relationship of hemodynamic, hormonal and metabolic changes with increased blood pressure (BP) in women after the induction of superovulation for extracorporeal fertilization (ECF).Design and methods. We examined 80 women aged from 25 to 38 years (mean age 32,3 ± 3,6 years). All patients underwent ECF at the Center for Reproductive Technologies of the St Petersburg Mariinsky Hospital. Daily monitoring of BP was carried out twice: before the induction of superovulation for ECF and on the first day after this manipulation.Results. After induction of superovulation, an increase in average daily BP ≥ 135/85 mm Hg occurred in 52,5 % of women and an increase in average night BP ≥ 120/70 mm Hg was registered in 13,8 %. In women with initially increased average daily BP, the relative risk of its further increase on the first day after induction of superovulation was 1,46 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0,79–2,68) compared with women who had normal average daily BP. In women with initially elevated average nightly BP, the relative risk of its further increase after induction of superovulation was 1,16 (95 % CI 1,06–1,27). An increase of BP after induction of superovulation may be associated with age, female factor infertility, the presence of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system in past, changes in the metabolic profile (increase in total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, glucose, estradiol; decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone level), heart rhythm disturbances, episodes of apnea/hypopnea during sleep, increase in heart rate, increased sympathetic activity.Conclusions. Induction of superovulation during in vitro fertilization has an adverse effect on the circadian BP profile. While planning in vitro fertilization, the risk factors for BP increase should be identified and modified. This will help to avoid adverse cardiovascular reactions associated with the procedure. Women with the hypertensive reaction after the induction of superovulation require dynamic BP monitoring.

Predictors of the development of cardiac arrhythmias in women after induction of superovulation in vitro fertilization

The article presents the results of a clinical and instrumental examination of 80 healthy women (average age 32,313,57 years) in order to assess the heart rhythm disturbances after induction of superovulation duringin vitrofertilization. All women were examined twice before and after induction of superovulation during extracorporeal fertilization. Clinical and instrumental examination included: electrocardiography at rest; echocardiography; 24-hour ECG monitoring with heart rate variability analysis; 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. Induction of superovulation is associated with a significant increase in mean daily HR max (р0,01), and consequently with an increase in myocardial oxygen demand. It has been established that induction of superovulation contributes to the development of supraventricular arrhythmias (р0,01) and an increase in episodes of apnea/hypnea (р0,01). Regression analysis revealed predictors of supraventricular arrhythmias after induction of superovulation, including adverse circadian heart rate profile, adverse circadian blood pressure profile, impaired autonomic regulation of heart activity (р0,01). It was shown that the appearance of rhythm disturbances is associated with both the initial functional state of the cardiovascular system and its response to the induction of superovulation. It was established a correlation between the estradiol concentration and the increase of daily average heart rate after induction of superovulation (r=0,30,р0,05), apnea/hypnea index after induction of superovulation (r=0,34,р0,05). Conclusion. Superovulation induction may exacerbate existing chronic cardiovascular diseases. Due to the adverse effect of superovulation induction on the daily heart rate profile, women need to evaluate the functional state of the cardiovascular system duringinvitrofertilization planning. This will prepare the woman for the upcoming procedure and avoid adverse reactions from the cardiovascular system in response to stimulation of superovulationin vitrofertilization.

The state of periodontum and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents with high blood pressure

Objective — To establish significant associations between periodontium status, circadian blood pressure (BP) profile and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents with high BP. Material and Methods — The cross-sectional study involved 113 adolescents (78 boys) aged 10 to 17 years, with a BP level (during repeated office measurements) of ≥95 percentile for age, height and sex, or ≥140/90 mmHg in adolescents older than 16 years. All adolescents were subjected to 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, anthropometric measurements, laboratory blood tests (lipids, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, fasting glucose), echocardiography (left ventricular myocardial mass index, relative wall thickness), assessment of the stage of puberty, dental examination (complex periodontal index (CPI), oral hygiene index). The association between the periodontium status and cardiovascular risk factors was assessed using univariant and multiple regression analysis, adjusted by sex, age, Tanner stage, body mass index, and oral hygiene index. Results — Clinical features of periodontitis were found in 32.7% of adolescents. Multiple regression analysis showed the presence of significant associations of CPI with the levels of systolic, mean and pulse BP during 24 hours (β=0.42, р=0.0001; β=0.31, р=0.003 and β=0.26, р=0.018, respectively), diastolic BP in the daytime (β=0.23, р=0.019), as well as the indices of load with high systolic BP within 24 hours (β=0.42, р=0.0001) and diastolic BP in the daytime (β=0.25, р=0.006). None of the other cardiovascular risk factors showed meaningful relationships with periodontium status in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion — The relationship between periodontium status and blood pressure level exists already in adolescence. That may, on the one hand, justify assessment of periodontium status and (if necessary) timely implementation of prophylactic measures in adolescents with high blood pressure and, on the other hand, recommend BP assessment in adolescents with diagnosed periodontitis.

The Effects of Eplerenone on the Circadian Blood Pressure Pattern and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Resistant Hypertension-A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

The obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly associated with various significant cardiovascular outcomes such as resistant hypertension (RAH). Despite this, as of now the relationship between high night-time blood pressure (BP) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with OSA and RAH is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the addition of eplerenone to a standard antihypertensive therapy on parameters of 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) as well as on the results of echocardiography and polysomnography in patients with OSA and RAH. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the two study groups: the treatment group, receiving 50 mg/d eplerenone orally for 6 months (n = 51) and the control group, remaining on their standard antihypertensive therapy (n = 51). After that period, a significant reduction in the night-time BP parameters in the treatment group including an increased night blood pressure fall from 4.6 to 8.9% was noted. Additionally, the number of non-dipper patients was reduced by 45.1%. The treatment group also revealed a decrease in left ventricular hypertrophy and in the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) with a positive correlation being observed between these two parameters. This study is the first to report the improvement of the circadian BP profile and the improvement of the left ventricle geometry in patients with OSA and RAH following the addition of selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to antihypertensive therapy.

P1686Natriuretic peptides personifying role in patients with arterial hypertension and chronic heart failure

Abstract Aim The aim of research was to study NT-proBNP in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and chronic heart failure (CHF). Object and methods of research 420 male patients in age from 30 to 60 years old were examined: group 1 (n=180) – patients with AH without CHF, group 2 (n=86) – patients with AH and CHF, group 3 (n=74) – patients with CHF without AH and the group of control (n=80). NT-proBNP, fmol/ml, was measured. Results NT-proBNP had the highest levels in patients of group 3 in comparison with the group of control (p=0.046), group 1 (p=0.037) and group 2 (p=0.046). The duration of AH didn't affect the level of NT-proBNP (r=0.186; p=0.537). In the group with AH, the plasma level of NT-proBNP was lower in patients with 2 and 3 degrees of AH compared with patients with 1 degree of AH (p&lt;0.05). In the group of patients with AH and CHF this pattern wasn't observed (p&gt;0.05). NT-proBNP was interrelated with AH degree in group 1 (r=−0.624; p=0.023). Such a relationship wasn't established in group 2 (r=0.151; p=0.294), NT-proBNP was interrelated with NYHA functional class of CHF (r=0.215; p=0.049). The diagnostic value of changes in the level of NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of grade 1 AH relative to 2–3 degrees of AH in patients without CHF: at the point of separation (cut off) 3.85 fmol/ml, sensitivity 83% and specificity of 71%. ROC-area under curve = 0.81. The quality of the model was very good. NT-proBNP determining diagnostic value analysis to predict the enhancement in NYHA functional class of CHF in patients with AH and CHF: at a separation point of 3.4 fmol/ml specificity of 71%, sensitivity – 76%. ROC-area under curve = 0.74. We investigated the level of NT-proBNP in patients of groups 1 and 2 with different types of circadian blood pressure (BP) profiles. NT-proBNP levels were the highest in patients with “non-dipper”, “night-peaker” circadian blood pressure profile and differed significantly from patients profiles “dipper” and “over-dipper” as for systolic BP and for diastolic BP. Data correlation analysis revealed the inverse relationship between NT-proBNP and SBP (r=−0.498; p=0.035). Since there were no patients with circadian profiles “night-peaker” and “over-dipper” in group 1, and the results of the study reflected the level of NT-proBNP in group 2, we studied the level of these hormones in patients with the same type of circadian profiles in group 1 and group 2. The level of NT-proBNP in patients of group 1 with “non-dipper” profile was reduced in comparison with patients of group 2 and “dipper” circadian profile. Conclusion Determination of natriuretic peptides in patients with AH and CHF personifies the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular complications. Natriuretic peptides are involved in circadian blood pressure profile.

Determinants of the circadian blood pressure pattern in hospitalized hypertensive patients

Background. Non-dipping hypertension might be associated with increased cardiovascular risk and multiple diseases. The aim of our study was to assess if there are parameters identified in 24-hour ECG-Holter monitoring (ECG-Holter), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), ECG parameters or laboratory data that allow prediction of circadian blood pressure profile (CBPP). Material and methods. One hundred and three consecutive patients (male: 50.5%), who underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP measurement and ECG-Holter simultaneously were analyzed. We divided patients into 3 groups: dipping was defined as 10–20% (28.2%), non-dipping as < 10% (50.5%) fall in nocturnal BP and reverse-dipping as higher nocturnal than diurnal BP (21.4%). Additionally, we performed TTE and laboratory check-up in all patients. We built multivariable models for nocturnal fall in systolic BP (SBP) and CBPP. Results. Multivariable model based on clinical factors was: nocturnal fall in SBP (%) = [13.28 – 0.11 × age – 8.33 × (dilated cardiomyopathy) – 5.95 × PAD – 6.02 × a-adrenolytic]. Multivariable model based on laboratory, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters was: nocturnal fall in SBP (%) = [–27.28 + 1.47 × hemoglobin – 0.14 × CK-MB + 0.14 × maximal heart rate]. Multivariable model for CBPP based on clinical factors included use of beta- or alpha-adrenolytics or torasemide. Conclusions. We proved that nocturnal fall in SBP and CBPP could be predicted based on ECG-Holter parameters, laboratory data and TTE results, as well as based on detailed medical history. These findings may have implications on care of patients with hypertension.

136 Early Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Post Stroke

Abstract Background While hypertension is the leading cause of stroke, early blood pressure (BP) management post event can be a challenge. Adjustment of antihypertensive medications is largely based on daytime ward readings. Abnormal nocturnal BP patterns may go undetected with increased risk to the patients from either extreme of BP. 24-hour ABPM has been shown to provide additional prognostic information over routine clinic measurements. We evaluated stroke patients for abnormal circadian BP profiles early after their event. Methods Patients admitted with a stroke, whose BP had normalised for at least 48 hours, were invited to participate. ABPM was fitted for 24 hours and readings compared with routine ward BP measurements. Daytime BP was calculated between 9am-9pm; nighttime midnight-6am. Additional information was gathered on medical history, cardiovascular risks and neuroimaging. Results Twenty-nine patients were recruited (median 6 days post event) with mean age 70.5, 62% male. The majority (86.2%) had ischaemic stroke or TIA. Seventeen had diagnosed hypertension and were taking median of 2 medications. Mean baseline ward systolic BP was 129mmHg (range 104-148 mmHg). Mean systolic BP on ABPM was 126mmHg (range 92-154 mmHg) and 123mmHg (range 93-181 mmHg) for daytime and nighttime respectively. Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (N=13) had a higher prevalence of a non-dipping pattern, with an average 10.4 mmHg rise in their nighttime systolic BP compared with a 3mmHg fall in those without atrial fibrillation (p = 0.011). They also exhibited greater BP variability. Conclusion In this pilot study, through the use of early ABPM we found high rates of non-dipping nocturnal BP in patients following stroke, particularly in those with underlying atrial fibrillation. The availability of 24-hour BP might allow for more individualised antihypertensive management particularly at this high-risk acute stage. Furthermore the presence of abnormal circadian patterns might be a marker for conditions such as atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnoea that compound stroke risk.

The Study of the Fixed Dose Combination of Lisinopril with Prolonged Indopamide (FIXLINDA) with Daily Blood Pressure Monitoring and Diuresis in Hypertensive Patients

Аim. To study the efficacy, tolerability and safety of using a fixed dose combination of an ACE inhibitor lisinopril with a prolonged-action diuretic indapamide in patients with degree 1-2 hypertension.Material and methods. Patients (n = 32) with uncontrolled 1-2 degrees hypertension, moderate or high cardiovascular risk, without severe comorbid diseases, who were prescribed a fixed dose combination of lisinopril (5, 10 or 20 mg) and indapamide (1.5 mg) were included in the observational study. All patients had home monitoring of blood pressure and diuresis, as well as assessment of subjective tolerance of treatment and registration of adverse events within 3 months of observation. Assessment of changes in circadian fluctuations in blood pressure and diuresis, the frequency of achieving the target blood pressure at the outpatient stage, as well as the subjective tolerance of treatment and adverse events during a three-month follow-up.Results. Target blood pressure was achieved in 44.5% of patients taking the fixed dose combination of lisinopril 5 mg + prolonged-acting indapamide1.5 mg; 76.9% – in patients taking the combination of lisinopril 10 mg + indapamide 1.5 mg; 78,6% – in patients taking the combination of lisinopril 20 mg + indapamide 1.5 mg. The achieved antihypertensive effect was characterized by daily circadian stability, accompanied by an improvement in the initially impaired day and night diuretic profile (increase in the share of daytime diuresis by 29.6% and 22.3% with a decrease in the share of nighttime diuresis by 35% and 49% when using a combination with lisinopril 5 and 10 mg, respectively). The treatment was well tolerated by patients and did not cause the development of serious adverse events. Reported adverse events (non-intense dry cough, headache, general weakness) were transient and did not require correction or withdrawal of treatment.Conclusion. The fixed dose combination of the ACE inhibitor lisinopril (5, 10 or 20 mg) and the long-acting thiazide-like diuretic indapamide (1.5 mg) had good antihypertensive efficacy with improved circadian blood pressure and diuresis profiles, acceptable tolerance and safety of treatment, as well as a simple choice of doses of the drug components.